In Pictures: Joyous scenes as Portlaoise win Senior A Hurling title

Portlaoise are back at the top table of the hurling pyramid following a fine win over The Harps.

It means an instant return to the top table of Laois club hurling following their relegation last year but The Harps’ long wait for silverware goes on following another disappointing outing to the county grounds.

They’ll also play in the second tier for a third year running.

Portlaoise’s triumph marks an impressive turnaround on what started out as a disappointing campaign.

Relegation from the league was followed by defeats in the opening two rounds of the championship but wins over Trumera, Shanahoe Gaels and Clonaslee brought them to the final and they delivered when the pressure was on.

The first half was an incredibly attritional affair. There was a couple of flare ups, big hits and two Portlaoise lads went off with blood injuries.

The strong breeze favoured The Harps in the opening half but Portlaoise hurled and battled well.

A second half goal did the trick then as they won well.

Our photographer Julie Anne Miller was down pitch side for the celebrations at full time.

LaoisToday's main photographer Julie Anne Miller is a graduate from GMIT. Despite her young age, Julie Anne has years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in Tynan's at the Storeyard in Portlaoise, Ballymaloe House in Cork and Beach Point Country Club in New York. She has also contributed a food column to the Irish Country Living section of the Irish Farmers Journal. She's willing to talk about anything - except football!